RADIO
Duke Johnson 2018 Outlook: The Safe PPR RB2
6 years agoThe breakthrough finally came. Three years of listening to the Browns hype Johnson and talk about his ability to make plays all over the field finally came true. Even though he saw less opportunity on the ground in 2018 then he has in years past, it was an increase in work through the air and a career high in total touchdowns that fueled the breakout.
Not only were fantasy owners excited about the breakout, but the Browns decision to move on from Isaiah Crowell had everyone hoping Johnson would have the backfield to himself. Not only did the Browns destroy those hopes by signing Carlos Hyde in free agency but then they stomped on them to ensure the fire was out when they drafted Nick Chubb in the second round of the draft. Now instead of waiting for Johnson to build on his RB11 season, we are caught in the middle of a backfield with no clear-cut leader.
Johnson’s work in the passing game alone will be enough to secure him as a floor RB2 in PPR leagues for 2018. The receptions aren’t going anywhere. Tyrod Taylor should be starting at quarterback for the Browns and during his three seasons with LeSean McCoy as his running back, McCoy averaged 61 targets, 47 receptions and 451 receiving yards. In standard leagues however, you may want to skip on him.
